A Love Without Anchor

"Sir, the divorce agreement from the safe."

On their fifth wedding anniversary, in a dimly-lit restaurant, Xavier Hampton's secretary placed the divorce papers in front of him.

Five years ago, on the day Elizabeth Eaton and he registered their marriage—

She had loved him deeply. So deeply that she had prepared the divorce agreement in advance, signed her name, and locked it away in the safe. If she ever betrayed him, all he had to do was sign.

Xavier picked up the pen and swiftly signed his name.

Across from him, the empty seat seemed heavier than any presence. His gaze dimmed.

"Send the divorce papers to Attorney Harvey," he said, his voice calm, almost detached. "Then book a hotel and have the wedding venue set up in advance."

The secretary hesitated for a moment before carefully asking, "Whose names should I write as the bride and groom?"

"Elizabeth Eaton and Connor Walker."

"Sir, the divorce agreement from the safe."

On their fifth wedding anniversary, in a dimly-lit restaurant, Xavier Hampton's secretary placed the divorce papers in front of him.

Five years ago, on the day Elizabeth Eaton and he registered their marriage—

She had loved him deeply. So deeply that she had prepared the divorce agreement in advance, signed her name, and locked it away in the safe. If she ever betrayed him, all he had to do was sign.

Xavier picked up the pen and swiftly signed his name.

Across from him, the empty seat seemed heavier than any presence. His gaze dimmed.

"Send the divorce papers to Attorney Harvey," he said, his voice calm, almost detached. "Then book a hotel and have the wedding venue set up in advance."

The secretary hesitated for a moment before carefully asking, "Whose names should I write as the bride and groom?"

"Elizabeth Eaton and Connor Walker."

A brief silence followed. Connor Walker was Elizabeth's first love.

The secretary's voice wavered. "Sir, when should the wedding take place?"

Xavier turned his gaze to the window. For an hour, blue fireworks had been lighting up the night sky. Now, the final sparks faded, leaving behind a message in midair.

"Elizabeth & Xavier, Happy Fifth Wedding Anniversary."

He withdrew his gaze, pressed his lips together, and said, "Seven days from now. Also, book me a flight to Neirway for that day."

"Neirway?" The secretary was startled, hesitated, then urged, "Sir, perhaps you should reconsider?"

Five years ago, on the day of their marriage, aside from the divorce agreement Elizabeth willingly signed, his parents—who had settled in Neirway—had added a condition.

They offered a sum of fifty million, but only if she signed a prenuptial agreement: If Xavier ever left the marriage wounded, returning to Neirway alone, Elizabeth would be barred from stepping foot in Neirway for the rest of her life.

She would have no chance to make amends.

"No need to reconsider." Xavier shook his head.

Seven days later, on his birthday, he would leave Elizabeth behind and fly to Neirway. At